Most people in the UK love the warm weather and the summer. Afterall we are British and we always talk about the weather! However  hot summers can be one the toughest time for disabled and the elderly. I have MS and dread the summer when the temperature gets too hot I stop functioning and start to slow down.

Heat has an effect on the body’s central nervous system and can cause the nerves to fire slower than normal and create that lathargic feeling everybody gets when the temperature rises.

Tips on stayling cool

Stay in the shade – If you are outside always try and stay in the shade. Not only will this stop you getting sun burnt but it will also keep you cooler. The same indoors keeping the curtains closed in rooms that have the sun shining in will keep the house cooler.

Drink plenty of water. In the summer we need to drink more water than we would usually. Keeping bottled water in the fridge can be an excellent way of cooling down quickly. As can eating an ice lolly.

I love to get in a cool bath and use my bath board to assist me in transferring in to the bath to cool down.

Cavity wall insulation will keep your home warm in the winter but it will also keep your house cooler in the hot summer. As the bricks are heated by the sun the heat is not transferred in to you home. Elderly and disabled people qualify for the Warmfron grant and will get insullation free of charge.

Cold water and a flannel are a great way to quickly cool down. Letting the cold water run a little will ensure you are getting colder water and placing the flannel on your forehead and neck will make you feel a lot cooler quickly.

Wearing white will also keep you cooler. People in very hot countries are often seen wearing white trousers and loose white shirts.

Keeping an electric fan on will keep you cool, even on the first setting the breeze and movement in the air  keeps you feeling cooler.

And finally the one good part of the summer is the ability to go out on the road in my heavy duty mobility scooter and feel the wind in my hair even though I am only doing 8mph the breeze is welcoming.

Author: admin